As a child, I wanted to be an engineer because I had an inquisitive mind, strong quantitative reasoning and analytical skills. But I also had a knack for economics and business studies. My family helped me decide that a degree in accounting and finance was the choice that best suited me.
I started my career over a decade ago as an assistant management accountant. I have since worked in accounting, finance, corporate services and project management across many industries in Africa and Europe.
My industry experiences, travel and preference for variety paved the way for my consultancy career. In addition to my ACCA Qualification, I also have an MBA.
Technology and digitalisation present opportunities, yet we have the highest number of children out of school in Africa
Fortunately, in my first role I had a great mentor who stretched and encouraged me. His excellent work ethic continues to be a guiding principle in my career to this day.
My strengths are in problem solving, strategy and driving growth. Consulting provides a unique opportunity to offer these skills across different organisations and sectors. I believe my biggest achievement has been living out my dreams.
It was evident to me that technology would be core to every business function. Tripartite Consulting, which I co-founded, provides services focused on the digitalisation of accounting systems, fintech and blockchain technology.
Migrating from a traditional employment role to running a consulting firm was a significant step out of my comfort zone
Nigeria is an emerging market and developing country, the most populous nation and one of the biggest economies in Africa. Over 70% of our population is under 40.
This huge population could be an asset or a liability, depending on how they are deployed. Technology and digitalisation present opportunities for knowledge, inclusion, innovation and collaboration, yet we have the highest number of children out of school in Africa.
We have produced the biggest fintech unicorns in Africa to date, but infrastructural challenges, lack of social amenities, insecurity and unstable government policies, with a high population of uneducated people, have resulted in stifled growth, underdevelopment and a difficult operating environment. However, with increased penetration of technology, I am positive that Nigeria will experience unprecedented growth and development.
Migrating from a traditional employment role, which provided me with a safety net, to running a consulting firm was a significant step out of my comfort zone. It’s been demanding but rewarding, and risk-taking is a core part of my role and functions.
If I had law-making powers I would like to see true federalism in Nigeria. If power was decentralised at the federal and state levels, each state would be able to drive growth and development. I would also provide mandatory free education through to tertiary level.
What I enjoy about my job is giving solutions that produce measurable success. I find it very rewarding to see mutually beneficial relationships across teams and clients. I also like innovation and exploring new ideas.
In my spare time I enjoy cycling, travelling and new cultures. I am currently learning a new language (French) and I’m also interested in health, wealth, human psychology and personal development. I’m an avid researcher, and a PhD is also in my future plans as I strongly believe life is a learning journey.
